Wednesday 5th January: COVID-19 BOOSTER, IMPORTANT INFORMATION.  Vaccinations will be available in Coleraine Leisure Centre on 5th, 7th, 9th, 13th and 15th January. Or, you can book an appointment with a local pharmacy. To book an appointment at a regional centre or local pharmacy: https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated/

Thank you for all the Christmas gifts that we received.  We all very much appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness.

FLU VACCINE UPDATE:  The majority of eligible patients have already received their annual vaccination.  If you are under 65, please contact us to arrange an appointment (this can be given at the same time as your Covid-19 booster).  Anyone over the age of 65 can contact a local pharmacy to receive a flu vaccination

GOOD NEWS: We are absolutely delighted to have received a letter from the Royal College of General Practitioners to say we had been nominated for the prestigious "GP Practice of the Year Award".  Unfortunately we were not successful on this occasion, however, we are all so pleased and honoured to have been nominated.  In these unprecedented times ,it is so encouraging to hear that the daily challenges we face and our continuing hard work and efforts in the midst of the pandemic are appreciated. This has been a great morale booster for our team!

For young people aged 11-19 a new Text-a-Nurse service has been launched. This is a secure, confidential and anonymous service which 11-19 years olds can contact for advice on: emotional health and wellbeing, stress and anxiety, self-harm, alcohol and drugs, body image, smoking, bullying, sexual health, Covid-19 related worry and general health issues. Service is available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm during both term time and school holidays. Contact number for Northern Trust area is: 07480 635 982

Advice for Carers and Young Carers during Covid-19 Pandemic is available at:

www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/advice-informal-unpaid-carers-and-young-carers-during-covid-19-pandemic

Anyone aged 18 or over can be vaccinated in one of the regional centres. Anyone over the age of 40 can also has the option of being vaccinated in one of our local pharmacies. To make an appointment at either a regional centre or local pharmacy: ring: 0300 200 7813 Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm; or book online at: Covid-19.hscni.net  

TO HELP REDUCE THE POTENTIAL SPREAD OF INFECTION, WE ARE ADVISING ALL PATIENTS TO PHONE BEFORE COMING TO THE SURGERY. WHEN YOU RING YOU WILL BE ASKED SOME QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE YOUR CONDITION. THIS WILL ENABLE US TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACTION AND PROTECT OUR STAFF AND VULNERABLE PATIENTS. IF WE ASK YOU TO ATTEND THE SURGERY, IT IS NOW MANDATORY TO WEAR A FACE COVERING.

COVID-19 (coronavirus)

If you have a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of taste or smell, EVERYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD MUST STAY AT HOME FOR 10 DAYS

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You can ring NHS 111 for information or advice and they will help you decide if you need to contact your GP.

Calling your GP directly is only necessary if you have:

• an existing health condition

• problems with your immune system

• very serious symptoms

If it is a medical emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the operator of your symptoms.

*For further information and self-isolation advice, visit www.pha.site/coronavirus

Public Health Agency, 12–22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS. www.publichealth.hscni.net

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW

Thank you for your participation in our recent survey.  We are delighted to announce that 98% of patients surveyed are extremely likely or likely to recommend us.  We will endeavour to action any suggestions where possible.  Sincere thanks for all the kind comments.